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Excellent vs. Exceptional: Know the Difference

Shumaila Saeed
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
"Excellent denotes high quality or superior performance, while exceptional implies being extraordinary or surpassing the usual standards."
Excellent vs. Exceptional

Key Differences

"Excellent" is a term used to describe something of very high quality or outstanding in its category. It suggests that something meets or surpasses the expected standards. "Exceptional," on the other hand, indicates that something is not only excellent but also unusual or rare in its excellence, standing out significantly from the norm.
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Nov 23, 2023
In the context of performance or ability, "excellent" refers to a very high level of proficiency or skill. It is often used to recognize superior work or talent. "Exceptional" suggests a level of performance or ability that is extraordinarily high and uncommon, indicating a rarity in achievement or quality.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
When describing objects or experiences, "excellent" can be used for things that are extremely well-made or enjoyable. It denotes a high standard of quality. In contrast, "exceptional" describes objects or experiences that are remarkable or outstanding, not just because of their quality but because they offer something unique or extraordinary.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
"Excellent" is a term that often fits within the bounds of established standards or expectations for quality. "Exceptional" goes beyond these standards, suggesting a uniqueness or rarity that sets something apart in a significant way.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
In conclusion, while both "excellent" and "exceptional" are compliments, "excellent" is used for very good, high-quality things, and "exceptional" is used for things that are extraordinary and not commonly encountered.
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Comparison Chart

Standard of Quality

Very high quality
Beyond ordinary or usual standards
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Frequency

Common in high-quality scenarios
Rare, not commonly encountered
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Context of Usage

Proficiency, quality, enjoyment
Uniqueness, rarity, outstandingness
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Level of Distinction

Superior within expected standards
Surpassing expected standards
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Implication

Very good, commendable
Extraordinary, remarkable
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Excellent and Exceptional Definitions

Excellent

High Standard
Her excellent performance earned her a promotion.
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Exceptional

Extraordinary
Her exceptional talent was recognized at an early age.
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Excellent

Admirable Ability
She has an excellent grasp of the subject.
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Exceptional

Uncommon
She received an award for her exceptional contribution.
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Excellent

Praiseworthy
The team did an excellent job on the project.
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Exceptional

Outstanding
His exceptional skills make him a valuable team member.
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Excellent

Superior Quality
The restaurant received reviews for its excellent cuisine.
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Exceptional

Remarkable
The company's exceptional growth stood out in the industry.
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Excellent

Of the highest or finest quality; exceptionally good for its kind
Enjoyed an excellent meal at the restaurant.
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Oct 19, 2023

Exceptional

Rare Quality
The museum featured an exceptional collection of art.
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Excellent

(Archaic) Being so to an extreme degree.
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Exceptional

Being an exception; uncommon
This town is exceptional for the region in having a high tax rate.
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Excellent

Having excelled, having surpassed.
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Exceptional

Well above average; extraordinary
An exceptional memory.
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Excellent

Of higher or the highest quality; splendid.
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Oct 19, 2023

Exceptional

Deviating widely from a norm, as of physical or mental ability
Special educational provisions for exceptional children.
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Excellent

Exceptionally good of its kind.
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Exceptional

Forming an exception; not ordinary; uncommon; rare.
What an exceptional flower!
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Excellent

Superior in kind or degree, irrespective of moral quality.
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Oct 19, 2023

Exceptional

Better than the average; superior due to exception or rarity.
The quality of the beer was exceptional.
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Excellent

(obsolete) Excellently.
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Exceptional

(geometry) Corresponding to something of lower dimension under a birational correspondence.
An exceptional curve; an exceptional divisor
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Excellent

Excelling; surpassing others in some good quality or the sum of qualities; of great worth; eminent, in a good sense; superior; as, an excellent man, artist, citizen, husband, discourse, book, song, etc.; excellent breeding, principles, aims, action.
To love . . . What I see excellent in good or fair.
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Exceptional

An exception, or something having an exceptional value
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Excellent

Superior in kind or degree, irrespective of moral quality; - used with words of a bad significance.
Their sorrows are most excellent.
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Oct 19, 2023

Exceptional

Forming an exception; not ordinary; uncommon; rare; hence, better than the average; superior.
This particular spot had exceptional advantages.
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Excellent

Excellently; eminently; exceedingly.
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Exceptional

Far beyond what is usual in magnitude or degree;
A night of exceeding darkness
An exceptional memory
Olympian efforts to save the city from bankruptcy
The young Mozart's prodigious talents
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Excellent

Of the highest quality;
Made an excellent speech
The school has excellent teachers
A first-class mind
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Oct 19, 2023

Exceptional

Surpassing what is common or usual or expected;
He paid especial attention to her
Exceptional kindness
A matter of particular and unusual importance
A special occasion
A special reason to confide in her
What's so special about the year 2000?
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Excellent

Great Skill
He is an excellent pianist.
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Nov 23, 2023

Exceptional

Deviating widely from a norm of physical or mental ability; used especially of children below normal in intelligence;
Special educational provisions for exceptional children
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Repeatedly Asked Queries

Are "excellent" items always expensive?

Not necessarily, but they are of very high quality.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023

Is "exceptional" a common description?

No, it's reserved for unusually high standards or rarity.
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Nov 23, 2023

Do "excellent" things last long?

They often do, due to their high quality.
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Nov 23, 2023

Is "excellent" a high compliment?

Yes, it signifies very high quality or performance.
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Nov 23, 2023

Does "exceptional" mean unique?

It implies rarity or being extraordinary, so it can suggest uniqueness.
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Nov 23, 2023

Can "excellent" be used for people?

Yes, to describe their skills, work, or qualities.
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Nov 23, 2023

Is "excellent" suitable for academic work?

Yes, for high-quality or superior academic performance.
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Nov 23, 2023

Can an "exceptional" person be average in some areas?

Yes, exceptional in one area doesn't mean extraordinary in all.
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Nov 23, 2023

Can "exceptional" refer to negative aspects?

Rarely, it's typically used in a positive context.
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Nov 23, 2023

Can services be "excellent"?

Yes, when they meet or exceed high standards of quality.
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Nov 23, 2023

Does "excellent" imply perfection?

Not necessarily perfection, but a very high standard.
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Nov 23, 2023

Can a day be described as "exceptional"?

Yes, if it's extraordinary or remarkable in some way.
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Nov 23, 2023

Does "exceptional" mean the best?

It implies among the best or surpassing usual standards.
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Is "exceptional" talent always innate?

Not always, it can be developed with effort and dedication.
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Are "exceptional" circumstances common?

No, they are by definition uncommon or rare.
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Nov 23, 2023

Is "excellent" subjective?

To some extent, as perceptions of quality can vary.
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Nov 23, 2023

Can food be "excellent"?

Yes, when it's of very high quality and taste.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023

Can a product be both "excellent" and "exceptional"?

Yes, if it's of high quality and also extraordinary in some way.
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Nov 23, 2023

Are "exceptional" achievements rare?

Yes, they stand out due to their rarity or uniqueness.
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Nov 23, 2023

Is "excellent" used more frequently than "exceptional"?

Yes, as "excellent" is for high quality, which is more common than the rarity implied by "exceptional."
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Nov 23, 2023

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About Author
Shumaila Saeed
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Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.

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